Appliance and Countertop Gap-Filling Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an appliance and countertop gap-filling device. The device is comprised of a preferably T-shaped body. During use, the device can be removably placed in the vertical gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop to prevent food and other debris from falling into the gap while resting on the countertop and appliance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/338,219, which was filed on May 4, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of gap-filling devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an appliance and countertop gap-filling device. During use, the device can be removably placed in the vertical gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop to prevent food and other debris from falling into the gap. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

In most kitchens, a small vertical gap exists between a kitchen countertop and an appliance, such as a stove. Food debris and other particulates will inevitably fall into this space and become trapped. As a result, this area must be cleaned. However, individuals may have a difficult time cleaning this area, ultimately leading to ant and/or rodent infestations that feed on the food debris that collects in this area.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that fills the gap between an appliance and a countertop. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an appliance and countertop gap-filling device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and a countertop. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an appliance and countertop gap-filling device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and an aesthetically pleasing countertop.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an appliance and countertop gap-filling device. The device is primarily comprised of a body having a horizontal member perpendicularly attached to a vertical member. During use, the generally T-shaped body can be inserted into a vertical gap between an appliance and a countertop (while resting on the appliance and countertop), such that the device covers the gap and prevents any food or debris from falling into the gap. The device may be made from any heat-resistant material that allows the device to blend into the countertop and/or appliance.

In this manner, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and a countertop. While doing so, the device remains aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the device can be installed easily and quickly.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an appliance and countertop gap-filling device. The device is primarily comprised of a body having a horizontal member perpendicularly attached to a vertical member. The body may be made of a plurality of different material types including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc. The body may also have at least one indicia that may simulate a countertop or appliance texture such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, quartz, granite, laminate, wood, etc. In this manner, the indicia gives the appearance that the device is an extension of a countertop or other appliance. In a different embodiment, the top surface of the horizontal member may be comprised of a veneer such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc. During use, the device is inserted in the gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided, the device is comprised of a horizontal member and a vertical member which is perpendicularly attached to the horizontal member. Then, the vertical member can be inserted into the vertical gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop, such that the horizontal member rests on the appliance and countertop. In this manner, the device covers the gap and prevents food debris from falling into the gap.

Accordingly, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and a countertop. While doing so, the device remains aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the device can be installed easily and quickly. In this manner, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device provides a solution to preventing food debris from collecting within a gap between a countertop and an appliance.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a head-on view of one potential embodiment of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that fills the gap between an appliance and a countertop. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an appliance and countertop gap-filling device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and a countertop. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an appliance and countertop gap-filling device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and an aesthetically pleasing countertop.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device primarily comprised of a body having a horizontal member perpendicularly attached to a vertical member. The body may be made of a plurality of different material types including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc., and may also have at least one indicia that may simulate a countertop or appliance texture such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, quartz, granite, laminate, wood, etc. In this manner, the indicia gives the appearance that the device is an extension of a countertop or other appliance. In a different embodiment, the top surface of the horizontal member may be comprised of a veneer such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc. During use, the device is inserted in the gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided, the device is comprised of a horizontal member and a vertical member which is perpendicularly attached to the horizontal member. Then, the vertical member can be inserted into the vertical gap between an appliance (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop such that the horizontal member rests on the appliance and countertop. In this manner, the device covers the gap and prevents food debris from falling into the gap.

Accordingly, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that prevents food debris from falling between the gap created by an appliance and a countertop. While doing so, the device remains aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the device can be installed easily and quickly. In this manner, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device provides a solution to preventing food debris from collecting within a gap between a countertop and an appliance.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a head-on view of one potential embodiment of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 having a horizontal member 120 perpendicularly attached to a vertical member 130. The body 110 may be made of a plurality of different material types including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc. The material of the body 110 is preferably heat-resistant such that it cannot be warped by heat from the appliance 12.

The body 110 may also have at least one indicia 160. The indicia 160 may simulate a countertop or appliance texture such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, quartz, granite, laminate, wood, etc. In this manner, the indicia 160 gives the appearance that the device 100 is an extension of a countertop 10 or other appliance 12. In a different embodiment, the top surface 124 of the horizontal member 120 may be comprised of a veneer such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc.

During use, the device 100 is inserted in the gap 14 between an appliance 12 (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop 10. To ensure the device 100 remains in place, the body 110 may have at least one fastener 150. The fastener 150 is preferably positioned on a bottom surface 122 of the horizontal member 120. The fastener 150 may be any type known in the art such as, but not limited to, suction cup, magnet, adhesive, hook and loop, etc.

In one embodiment, the top surface 124 of the horizontal member 120 is comprised of a plurality of sidewalls 170, as seen in FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, kitchen items such as, but not limited to, cooking utensils, seasonings, etc., can be stored on top surface 124 when the device 100 is in position between an appliance 12 and countertop 10.

In a further embodiment, the horizontal member 120 is comprised of a power receptacle 180. The receptacle 180 is preferably (but not limited to) a female 110 v/220 v outlet. This allows kitchen equipment to receive power from the device 100 in a convenient location. In this embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a power cord 182 such as but not limited to a male 110 v/220 v power cord that can plug into a nearby wall outlet 16 to provide power to the receptacle 180.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using 200 one potential embodiment of an appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100. First, a device 100 is provided, the device 100 is comprised of a horizontal member 120 and a vertical member 130 which is perpendicularly attached to the horizontal member 120 [Step 202]. Said embodiment of the device 100 may also be comprised of at least one side wall 170, at least one power receptacle 180, at least one power cord 182, and at least one fastener 150. Then, the vertical member 130 can be inserted into the vertical gap 14 between an appliance 12 (such as, but not limited to, a stove) and a countertop 10, such that the horizontal member 120 rests on the appliance 12 and countertop 10 [Step 204]. In this manner, the device 100 covers the gap 14 and prevents food debris from falling into the gap 14. In an embodiment of the device 100 comprised of a fastener 150, the fastener 150 can be secured to the countertop 10 and/or appliance 12 [Step 206].

It should be appreciated that the device 100 may be any size and shape known in the art to cover any size of vertical gap 14 between an appliance 12 and a countertop 10.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “appliance and countertop gap-filling device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the appliance and countertop gap-filling device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An appliance and countertop gap-filling device comprising: a horizontal member; and a vertical member positioned perpendicular to the horizontal member.
 2. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 1, wherein the horizontal member is comprised of a heat-resistant material.
 3. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 1, wherein the vertical member is comprised of a heat-resistant material.
 4. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the horizontal member is comprised of an indicia.
 5. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 4, wherein the indicia resembles a stainless-steel texture, a quartz texture, a granite texture, a laminate texture, or a wood texture.
 6. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the horizontal member is comprised of a veneer.
 7. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 6, wherein the veneer is comprised of a wood veneer, a metal veneer, a plastic veneer, or a stone veneer.
 8. An appliance and countertop gap-filling device comprising: a horizontal member; a vertical member; a fastener; and a side wall.
 9. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the fastener is comprised of a suction cup, a magnet, an adhesive, or a hook and loop fastener.
 10. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the fastener is positioned on a bottom surface of the horizontal member.
 11. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the horizontal member is comprised of a power receptacle.
 12. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 11, wherein the power receptacle is comprised of a female 110 v or 220 v outlet.
 13. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8 further comprised of a power cord.
 14. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 13, wherein the power cord is comprised of a male 110 v or 220 v power cord.
 15. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the horizontal member is comprised of a heat-resistant material.
 16. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the vertical member is comprised of a heat-resistant material.
 17. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein a top surface of the horizontal member is comprised of an indicia.
 18. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 17, wherein the indicia resembles a stainless-steel texture, a quartz texture, a granite texture, a laminate texture, or a wood texture.
 19. The appliance and countertop gap-filling device of claim 8, wherein the vertical member and the horizontal member are comprised of a metal material, a wood material, a plastic material, or a stone material.
 20. A method of using an appliance and countertop gap-filling device, the method comprising the steps of: providing an appliance and countertop gap-filing device comprised of a horizontal member and a vertical member which is perpendicularly attached to the horizontal member; and inserting the vertical member into a vertical gap between an appliance and a countertop such that the horizontal member rests on the appliance and the countertop. 